NBCFirst reported by the radio station K-Earth in Los Angeles, Kevin Eubanks will cease his post as bandleader of NBC's "The Tonight Show" at some point after the show resumes in March.
First reported by the radio station K-Earth in Los Angeles, Kevin Eubanks will cease his post as bandleader of NBC's "The Tonight Show" a short time after the show resumes in March.

The Peacock network confirmed rumors and told "Extra" that the jazzman "wanted a change" to pursue other opportunities. It's unknown whether Eubanks will leave by himself or if the entire band will step down.

NBC has not announced first guests for the new (and some may say improved) version of "The Tonight Show," set to kick off March 1. Four months ago, comedian Jerry Seinfeld sat in the hot seat when "The Jay Leno Show" premiered in primetime.

But the question still remains who will replace Eubanks? We have a few suggestions:

Guitarist John Pizzarelli: We'd love to see this New Jersey native in the spotlight. A prolific jazz guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and bandleader, Pizzarelli recorded 23 albums as well as appeared on more than 40 albums with such recording artists as James Taylor, Rosemary Clooney and his wife, Jessica Molaskey.

TONY KURDZUK/THE STAR-LEDGERJohn PizzarelliTrumpet player Chris Botti: American trumpeter and composer, Botti came to prominence in the mid '90s and established a reputation as a versatile musician in both jazz and pop music. Need proof? In 1999, he was invited to tour with Sting as a featured soloist on the "Brand New Day" tour. What's more, he's been a bandleader before as the leader of the house band on the nationally syndicated daytime talk show "The Caroline Rhea Show" in 2002-2003. Plus many will say he's easy on the eyes since he was named one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People of 2004.

Saxman David Sanborn: American alto saxophonist Sanborn has worked in many genres but his solo recordings typically blend jazz with instrumental pop and R&B. One of the most commercially successful American saxophonists to earn prominence since the '80s, he is often identified with smooth jazz. He's also no stranger to TV. He is often a regular guest member of Paul Shaffer's band on "Late Night with David Letterman" and from 1988-89 he co-hosted a late-night TV music show on NBC with Jools Holland.

Saxman David SanbornGuitarist George Benson: Practically a jazz legend, Benson is a Grammy-winning musician whose recording career began at the age of 21 as a jazz guitarist. He's also well known as a pop, R&B, and scat singer. He has a multitude of chart-toppers including "On Broadway," "Give Me the Night" and "This Masquerade." He also recorded the original version of "Greatest Love of All" in 1977 which was later recorded as a cover by Whitney Houston.
Who should replace Kevin Eubanks as bandleader for 'The Tonight Show'?(polling)